Contentment, and Reaping in Prayer

 “I have learned in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.” Philippians 4:2

Unknown Author

Have I learned, in whatsoever

State, to be content?

Have I learned this blessed lesson,

By my Master sent—

And with joyous acquiescence

Do I greet His will,

Even when my own is thwarted,

And my hands lie still?

Surely it is best and sweetest,

Thus to have Him choose,

Even though some work I’ve taken,

By this choice I lose.

Folded hands need not be idle,—

Fold them, but in prayer,

Other souls may toil far better

For God’s answer there.

They who reap receive their wages,

Those who work, their crown,

Those who PRAY, throughout the ages

Bring blest answers down;

In “whatever state” abiding

Till the Master call,

They at eventide will find Him

Glorified in all.

Moving Forward

I hope everyone's week has been going well so far. It's turned into brisk, fall days here with a chilly breeze. This year I have been making a purposeful effort to notice pleasant things about fall to enjoy (you might guess that fall is not my favorite time of year). :) I have learned to appreciate things about it that I had not taken much notice of before. I do always love seeing the colorful trees, and have been trying to get out more to enjoy it while it lasts. 

Thank you to each one of you who took the time to read my last post, comment, and/or vote on my poll. I appreciated it very much! Several of you expressed that you think I should keep just this one blog, and post a variety of things. You each shared some very good thoughts. I have to admit that I didn't quite realize how much I had started looking forward to the thought of possibly starting a second blog...as it is with a slight tinge of disappointment that I decide to forgo the thought for now and keep everything here. :) I don't want to make anything more complicated for others to have to keep track of two different blogs, and I thank you all for sharing your thoughts! It meant a lot to me! I do have a somewhat "compromising" idea that might come to place in the future, while still keeping it one blog, Lord willing. :) But if not, I am glad to know that my readers enjoy seeing a mixture of topics on my blog.  I look forward to hopefully sharing more soon! 

 "Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works." 

-Titus 2:13-14

Input Requested :)

I have been considering some different options as I'm coming back to my blog, and wondered if my readers would mind sharing your opinions? 

For some time prior to my break, I had gradually (and without fully realizing it at first) began shifting my posts almost entirely from the everyday things (recipes, projects, etc.), to devotional type posts with what I had found encouraging to me in my own life, and what was often on my mind. Once I realized I had made this change, I began to feel reluctant to share the more everyday things of life as it seemed almost out of place and of lesser importance. What my question is...what do you all think of my starting a second blog that would focus more on home life, crafts, gardening, recipes, etc., while also keeping this blog to make posts separately for devotional/spiritual encouragement? Or would you prefer I kept just one blog where there is a mixture of posts of both kinds, and everything is kept all in one place?

I've added a poll on the right hand side of this blog page, and if you'd care to share your thoughts by voting I'd appreciate it so much! :) If the poll for some reason doesn't work properly, you can also leave me a comment choosing "A, B, or C" options. I'd also love to hear if you have any other thoughts/suggestions in the comments. If you prefer I don't post your comment publicly, please feel free to mention that and I will keep it private. 

A. I like the idea of two separate blogs.

B. I think it's better to leave the blog how it is, with everything all in one place. 

C. I'm not really sure / Either way is fine with me! 

A new season

  It has been nearly two years since I last posted on here. I've been giving some serious thought to coming back again. I also have a new venture I've been considering and praying about, that perhaps if the Lord wills, I might share in the future. I would love to hear from my readers if any of you still keep up with my blog. Does anyone still read this? How are all of you doing? Often, the swiftness of time passing by has been on my mind in recent times. May we use it for the Lord! 

"'A little while '-He'll come again!

Let us the precious hours redeem;

Our only grief to give Him pain,

Our joy to serve and follow Him.

Watching and ready may we be,

As those that wait their Lord to see."

Redeeming the time, because the days are evil. -Ephesians 5:16